Giovanni Galeone, former coach and a confidant of Massimiliano Allegri, explained why the Juventus coach should consider a move to the Premier League in the summer.
Pressure has continued to mount on the Bianconeri coach in recent months and the heat was exacerbated by the team’s goalless draw with Genoa on Sunday. Allegri’s side have now secured just seven points in their last eight league outings, form that has dampened the mood in Turin.
Many Juventus fans are hoping that Allegri will be dismissed in the summer in order to make space for a new coach, with favourites including Antonio Conte, Thiago Motta and Roberto De Zerbi. For now though, his position in the Piedmont capital is safe.
Speaking on page 11 of today’s Gazzetta dello Sport, Galeone first discussed Juventus’ tough draw with Genoa.
“I didn’t watch Juventus against Genoa and I’ll tell you why, I heard too much criticism directed at Max after Napoli. The Bianconeri played one of the best matches of the year at Maradona and would have deserved the win.”
He commented on the team’s recent form, which has seen them secure seven points in eight games.
“On a positive note, Juventus didn’t concede a goal and it’s the first time since the draw with Empoli at the end of January. It’s a good thing and Max will have to start from this aspect to gain those 11-12 points that he needs to mathematically secure qualification for the Champions League.
“I knew that against Genoa it wouldn’t be easy because, as I told president Zangrillo, the Rossoblu have a good identity and create problems for everyone. And it won’t be easy for Juventus even after the break against the new Lazio, Tudor is a tough coach and both Vlahovic and Milik will be out.”
The former coach spoke about if Allegri should stay with Juventus.
“Max is linked to Juventus and the Agnelli family. And the Club World Cup is an intriguing event. However, I listened to Giuntoli’s reassurances on television, but then Max said publicly that the club hadn’t told him anything about the future yet.
“I think that with nine games to go before the end of the season, Giuntoli should confirm Allegri also in private, telling him the same things.”
Finally, Galeone gave some advice to his friend.
“Until some time ago I would’ve told him to stay. Now, however, I’d tell him that the time has come to seek success abroad as both Capello and Ancelotti did after so many successes in Italy. Allegri coached and won with Milan and Juventus.
“He is in his eighth season with Juventus and only Trapattoni has more appearances than him. I don’t see Max in Arabia, but he would be perfect for the Premier League.
“Next summer will be a summer of great changes throughout Europe, I think Max would do very well at Liverpool post-Klopp or at Manchester United.”
Delusion…. is a hell of a drug